What to Expect from a Safari in Kenya

February 2017

With its incredible diversity of landscapes and some of the highest concentrations of wildlife in the world – it’s no surprise that Kenya is where the concept of safari was born.

The jewel in its crown is the Masai Mara, the stage for the annual wildebeest migration when over two million wildebeest and zebra move between the Masai Mara and the Serengeti in Tanzania in search of greener pastures. It’s here that you’ll find our tented safari camp, Sanctuary Olonana, winner of Condé Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Awards 2016. Situated on a private stretch of the Mara River, Sanctuary Olonana offers an unforgettable experience in the heart of one of Africa's most acclaimed national parks.

Here’s what to expect:

Fly into Kichwa Tembo Airstrip in the afternoon, where our guide will meet you with light refreshments and drive the short distance to the camp. If you’re lucky you’ll spot some wildlife before you’ve even got off the plane!

Check into your home away from home, a spacious and comfortable canvas tent, and discover what glamping is all about. With en-suite facilities, four-poster beds draped in mosquito nets and river-view verandas overlooking a pod of hippos, you’ll find it hard to leave.

This luxury safari camp is an exclusive hideaway complete with library and swimming pool. The main dining room and decking area command views over a dramatic stretch of the river. There is also complimentary Wi-Fi available in the rooms and main area.

Once settled in, relax with a cocktail on the deck and take in the views of the infamous Mara River while you prepare for a full safari day tomorrow.

After an early wake-up call of tea, coffee and snacks, it’s time for your hot air balloon safari. Inflated against the first rays of sunrise, this is an activity worth getting up early for. Float gently over the plains while viewing the plethora of game beneath before landing and enjoying a champagne breakfast to toast your flight.

Between activities, relax at our mini-spa which offers a range of treatments from facials to body massages.

Lunch can be enjoyed in camp or, for the more adventurous, a picnic lunch can be arranged. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy fresh food prepared by our wonderful Head Chef, Big John, and picked from the camp's organic garden.

After lunch, join an experienced Maasai guide and explore a nearby village where you’ll gain a deeper insight into the vibrant and still traditional way of life of the Maasai.

There’s still time before the afternoon activity to relax with a book by the camp’s swimming pool.

This afternoon, it is time to explore the Masai Mara with your guide. The Mara is a fabulous place for seeing big cats and all of the big five, a variety of plains game and over 300 bird species. The plains offer a rich variety of food for the dominant predators including lion, leopard, hyena and cheetah meaning amazing sightings year-round.

Sundowners are served in specially selected spots on the Mara plains and, with prior notice, we can also arrange for a private bush dinner. Dine in style as candlelight flickers and stars shine overhead and simply absorb the peace and beauty of an African night.